Introducing myself and my journal: The Full Circle

About Me:
My name is Marie Bonheur-Gulotta and I was born on October 14, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. I was six years old, when my family immigrated to the United States with my six siblings we were brought up and educated in New York City. In the years following high school, I signed on to serve four years of active duty in the United States Army. During my years in the military I participated in leadership training programs to acquire the skills and experience necessary to counsel individuals in extremely stressful situations. I was honorably discharged and remained active in the Reserves for many years. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from the State University of New York at Albany, NY. In addition, I attended the Institute for Not-For-Profit Management at the The Graduate School of Business, Columbia University, New York, NY as a member of the Middle Management Program Class of 2001. While living on Long Island, NY, I founded a comprehensive social agency, Grace Women's Services Inc., dedicated to the advancement of disenfranchised women and children. The stated mission was to empower women in need with tools to become self-sufficient members of the community. Among my many interests is the art of photography and, in 2000, I presented a one- person exhibition of black and white portraits titled Social Expressions at the Nassau County Women's Center on Long Island. In 2007, I relocated with my husband and son to Georgia. Some of my past community services has been working for the Obama 2008 Presidential Campaign. I am actively involved with the American Association of University of Women (AAUW) as co-chair of the the Diversity Committee and State-level Public Policy Committee. I am also an Alumni of the White House Project. WHP is a national organization that provides leadership training to advance women's public service in the community and business sections. Local political leaders provide attendees with detailed strategies, help us to set goals and develop the necessary tools for leadership.

My Passions:
To empower women

My Challenges:
Road blocks that prevent me from succeeding to empower women.

My Vision for the Future:
To build a school in Haiti.

My Areas of Expertise:
Technical Coordinator